Yes, what you have said about J&L's history is true, and yes, there has been a major upper level management change. But, the fact remains, the mid-level management is seriously lacking. With no education beyond high school these managers are the mill stone around the neck of J&L and the reason why employee turnover is so high. This firm will have to continue to try and woo away talent from better run operations. Graingers is, by my experience, the leader in this field and will continue to be, because of it's overall management style and position in the market place.
As for MSC, while it would appear, they have become too large and ungainly, their staff is more knowledgable, and the product gets delivered right the first time.